Has the War Against AI Already Been Lost?

[Unbeliever]

Did you use catsup? 🍊

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Well, that certainly was a question.

[Hydra009]

Catholic AI "priest" defrocked

Artificial intelligence shook up a corner of the Catholic community after Catholic Answers—a San Diego, Calif.-based publisher of church resources—introduced "Father Justin," an AI chatbot on Monday. The virtual priest was defrocked by the end of the week, but its creators will still allow the chatbot to operate as simply "Justin."

Other users shared examples of Father Justin's priestly counsel, including telling one user they can use Gatorade instead of holy water in a baptism and explaining how a brother and sister can prepare for marriage to each other. Father Justin also accepted a user's confession and then told her all of her sins had been absolved.

I mean, is that really so different?  On the plus side, at least there's no rap sheet.

Among the many missteps is just the presentation of what is essentially a chat bot as a sort of digital priest, but without any of the - dare I say it? - soul of a human being.  I don't think anyone would object to a chat bot presented to them as a chat bot.  Humanizing this thing was a big mistake.

In a separate speech in December, Francis called for the ethical development of artificial intelligence to serve humanity and promote peace.

I broadly agree with him there.  Check out the full speech, it's pretty good.

[Unbeliever]

If AIs can be priests, who needs human priests!? 😇

[the_antithesis]

Maybe get robot monks like from Dirk Gently that do all that pesky believing for you.